Archive
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Double blow to Blair on Iraq
Tony Blair's hopes of a United Nations mandate for war appeared slimmer than ever last night. First, the French, Russians and Germans insisted they would not let a resolution for military action pass - and then the UN's chief weapons inspector said there
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Labour probes selection wrangle
LABOUR Party officials will attempt tonight to resolve a dispute over the selection of a candidate for elections in Tony Blair's constituency. The party has stepped in following allegations of irregularities during the selection process for the forthcoming
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GNER in £8.7m refit of its diesel fleet
TRAIN company GNER has announced it is to continue work to transform its fleet with a refit of its high-speed diesel trains. The £8.7m project will be carried out over the next ten months and will include engineering work to improve the performance of
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Car suspect stabs off-duty officer in head with scissors
AN off-duty police officer was stabbed in the head with a pair of scissors as he tried to detain youngsters suspected of stealing a car. Sergeant Phil Bromley suffered a number of wounds during the attack, but still managed to hold on to one of the teenagers
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News in brief: Inquest opens into death
AN inquest has been opened into the sudden death at home of a mother of three. Jayne Bell, 34, collapsed at her home in Cowper Road, Stockton, on Monday. She died shortly after arriving at the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton. The Middlesbrough
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Watching Brief: Juninho gets better of Dyer
ONE of South America's finest, Juninho, upstaged an England player of similar ilk, Kieron Dyer, last night. The pair have so much in common on a football pitch, and at the Riverside it was time for them to go head-to-head. There was no doubt just how
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Teenager loses bid for bite damages
A TEENAGER has lost his claim for damages after he was bitten by an award-winning police dog. Bosko the German Shepherd was once voted Cleveland's top dog with his handler PC Mark Robson. But yesterday, PC Robson was accused of using Bosco as a dangerous
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As if we've got nothing better to talk about...
STANDING on the sidelines at a school football match this week, someone commented on the story about the mystery England football hero who went to court to ban details of an affair getting into the press. "Honestly, are we really interested in that?"
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Library celebrates first year
DURHAM's flagship library is gearing up to celebrate its first birthday. Clayport Library in the Millennium City complex, which was officially opened by the Queen, will mark the milestone next week with a week of events. On Monday, library users will
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School earns quality marks
A VILLAGE school is enjoying a double celebration after its academic achievements were recognised for the second time. The Quality Mark earned by St Chad's RC Primary at Witton Park, three years ago has been renewed by the Basic Skills Agency. The school
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Under fours get a sure start in life
A SURE Start programme supporting families with children under four-years-old is planned for Newton Aycliffe and Shildon. The Department for Education and Skills has authorised the development of a programme in Shildon and west Aycliffe, which includes
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£11,500 steam appeal gets £10
IT'S a true giant of the golden age of steam travel, a renowned name which would be right at home in the birthplace of the railways. So when enthusiasts launched a campaign to bring the famous locomotive Blue Peter to Darlington, they were justifiably
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Medallist set to compete in Redcar marathon
Paralympic gold medallist Tanni Grey-Thompson will be competing in the 21st Somerfield Redcar Half Marathon on Sunday. Tanni, 33, who lives in Redcar with Husband Ian and one-year-old daughter Carys, will use the race as preparation for the London Marathon
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Getting ready to fly the banners once again
THE tradition of banner making, which flourished in the North-East trade union movement, is to undergo a revival later this year. An exhibition of historic North-East banners, High and Mighty, will be staged in the autumn at Sunderland Museum and Winter
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Goodie sings praises
TELEVISION twitcher Bill Oddie and MP Derek Foster sang the praises of an innovative company when they officially opened its new headquarters. As vice-president of The Wildlife Trusts, the naturalist and former Goodie star is fronting a scheme to save
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Comment: Defying the will of the UN
THE unanimous approval of Resolution 1441 by the United Nations Security Council last November was a momentous occasion. We should not under-estimate the achievement of uniting the entire international community over the need to disarm Iraq. As a direct
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Watson continues his battle back to fitness
GORDON Watson yesterday came through a reserve game unscathed. The Hartlepool United striker, sidelined since September after breaking a leg, has missed out as Pool head for promotion from Division Three. His comeback stalled a fortnight ago after he
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EU critic off to France
WHETHER they were banning curvy cucumbers, renaming bars of chocolate, straightening our bananas or renegotiating British fishing rights, in Andrew Spence's view the European Union could not do much right. Mr Spence, a farmer and haulier from Leadgate
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John North: Bobby dazzler
Matt Hutchinson's arresting life story has been put down on paper for his nearest and dearest. Lest you miss out on his fascinating tales, here's a taster... MATT Hutchinson was a Spennymoor lad who left school at 14, without qualifications but with a
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Sir Bobby fumes at officials
SIR BOBBY ROBSON and Alan Shearer accused referee Andy D'Urso of costing Newcastle United at least a point from last night's game at Middlesbrough, writes Steven Baker. Robson insisted D'Urso had missed "two clear fouls" on Newcastle players in the build-up
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Tribute paid to tragic pupil
A SCHOOL community is in shock after a pupil was found hanged. Xiang-Yin Teng, 17, who was known as Sho Lee, was discovered by her mother hanging from a cord at their home at Crossgate Moor, Durham, last Tuesday. The lower sixth pupil at Durham Johnston
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Man to face murder trial
A MAN appeared in court yesterday charged with murdering a pensioner. The body of Kenneth Scott, 66, was discovered in his ground-floor flat in Gray Road, Hendon, Sunderland, on Sunday. A post-mortem examination revealed he died from stab wounds. Mark
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MP leads fight to ban cages for hens
A NORTH-EAST MP and former Labour minister is leading moves to ban "enriched" cages for egg-laying hens. Sunderland MP Chris Mullin said an EU Directive will ban the conventional battery cage from 2012. However, so-called "enriched" cages, which are 45cm
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'Attacker used two knives to kill man'
THE final moments of a murdered asylum-seeker's life were described in chilling detail yesterday. A friend of Peiman Bahmani told a jury at Newcastle Crown Court how he was stabbed to death. Reza Namdar had been with the 30-year-old Iranian when he was
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Garden is tonic for patients
A TEAM of green-fingered volunteers has helped brighten the lives of hospital patients by creating a sensory garden and rockery. Young volunteers from The Prince's Trust raised almost £400 to fund the project at Weardale Community Hospital in Stanhope
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Grand scale choir
MORE than 200 musicians from Darlington and South Durham are preparing for a huge performance of Verdi's Requiem. Darlington Choral Society has joined singers from Richmond, Crook, Weardale, Bishop Auckland and Stanhope for the production. Requiem has
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Tonic for patients with joints problem
WAITING times for patients needing treatment for joints pain have been reduced thanks to a new service. Since its launch last July, more than 600 patients have benefited from the joint assessment service, which can treat people without them seeing a consultant
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Art show leaving lasting impression
ART enthusiasts in the region are being offered a final chance to see one of the biggest collections of Impressionist paintings to visit the North-East. The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, will close its Road to Impressionism exhibition
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Victim dies after mystery incident
A MAN knocked unconscious while walking his dog died in hospital yesterday. And late last night, police appealed for a man seen talking to him about the time of the incident, to come forward. George Button, 53, of West Rainton, near Durham City, had been
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GNER smoking award
EAST Coast Mail Line rail operator GNER has won an award from smokers' rights organisation Forest. The group named GNER as Travel Operator of the Year after the company announced that, unlike other operators, it would retain a smoking coach on all its
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Last Night's TV: Money can't buy happiness
At Home With The Braithwaites (ITV1);A Place In The Sun (C4) THE Euro-lottery winning Braithwaites are back to prove themselves the most dysfunctional family on the box. They've won a fortune, lost it, and now regained it in Sally Wainwright's bold and
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Americans queuing up to buy a sporty number produced by Nissan
The Nissan 350Z is proof that the Japanese company's product-led recovery is paying handsome dividends. Harking back to the classic 240Z sports car of the 1970s, Nissan, expects the coupe to become a best-seller around the world. Americans, who made the
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Free event for the deaf
HEARING dogs will give demonstrations at one of the country's biggest exhibitions for the deaf. The dogs will be at a Spotlight on Deafness exhibition at County Hall, Durham, on Thursday next week from 10am until 4pm. The event, which is free, has been
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News from the Guilds and WIs
Henknowle TG: THE chairman Veronica Fletcher welcomed everyone to the February meeting which, despite poor weather was well attended. Doreen Lawson read a tribute to Berry Pybus who died recently at the age of 93. A loyal member and keen Scrabble player
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Lindy items in demand on Amazon site
COMPUTER peripherals firm Lindy Electronics has signed a deal to sell its entire range of products through one of the world's most successful Internet companies. Amazon website, www.amazon.co.uk, took 25 items of Lindy merchandise on a trial run and soon
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£30m to aid small businesses training
ABOUT 270 small businesses in County Durham will benefit directly from the Government's announcement that £30m is being invested to help them with training and development. Business support up to a value of £1,250 is being made available by the Department
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Couple celebrate 60th milestone
FORMER postman and his wartime bride have celebrated 60 years of marriage. Tom Sanderson's is one of the best known faces in Tow Law, where he has lived and worked all his life. He was serving with the Royal Navy on the hazardous North-East convoys when
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Students walk out of school in anti-war protest
Hundreds of students walked out of their lessons yesterday to join anti-war demonstrations around the country. The youngsters took their protest to the heart of Government with a noisy rally outside Parliament, moving on to Downing Street, where a handful
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Bridge is honoured yet again
A NEW bridge has further secured its place as a striking landmark, after winning an engineering award. The Millennium Bridge, in Gateshead, was yesterday awarded the Institute of Structural Engineers' Supreme Award for Structural Engineering. The accolade
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Tilting the balance by degrees
As independent schools begin a boycott of Bristol University amid claims that middle class students are being discriminated against, Lindsay Jennings looks at the lastest class war. WHEN Catherine Hudson missed out on the grades she needed to get to university
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Pub plans darts fun
A DURHAM pub is launching a new darts and dominoes competition. The Gilesgate Moor Hotel has set up the Jennings Tuesday Night Darts and Dominoes League and is looking for teams to join. Landlady Lynne Huggins, who leases the pub from Jennings Brewery
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Cherries ripe for picking by Quakers
Darlington boss Mick Tait is warning his players of a potential backlash when they take on Division Three high-flyers Bourne-mouth at the weekend. Tait's side make the long trip to the south coast with a fresh air of optimism after collecting four points
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Gas masks get the Boro red card
NEWCASTLE fans at last night's North-East derby were banned from wearing gas masks to poke fun at Middlesbrough supporters because of fears over terrorist attacks. Boro fans have been dubbed Smoggies by rivals Newcastle and Sunderland because of Teesside's
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Memorial service for founder of the Retreat
MOURNERS will gather next week to pay tribute to the man who was the driving force behind a popular Catholic retreat. Friar Colum Devine, a member of the Passionists order, played a major role in turning the derelict stables and coach house at Minsteracres
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Agincourt ready for the fray
AGINCOURT goes into battle on a favourable handicap mark at Wetherby today where he is confidently expected to stake a serious claim for the Gateforth Handicap Chase. Speed ratings are an invaluable tool when it comes to assessing current form and Agincourt
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Childcare quality mark
CHILDMINDERS in County Durham can join a network that will give their services a guarantee of quality. The Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership in County Durham is inviting people to join the Children Come First childminding networks. The
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Gold celebrates anniversary
A GROUP aimed at involving older people in improving life in Darlington is celebrating its first anniversary. Growing Older Living in Darlington (Gold) is holding an event in April at Morton Park Business Training Centre to mark its first year. Anyone
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Making more than half a sixpence
MEMBERS of Darlington Operatic Youth Theatre made a song and dance about bag packing in Morrisons, North Road, on Saturday and raised £545. The money will go towards the cost of staging next week's production of the musical Half a Sixpence at the Arts
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Lots in store
YOUNG at heart Amy Craggs wheeled in some helpers when she won a trolley dash at Asda in Darlington. She bagged almost £350 of groceries after several members of staff and her grand-daughter Angela Dodds, joined the fun. Staff topped off the day last
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Villagers call for centre details
VILLAGERS are demanding more information about proposals for a care centre to be set up in their community. Castlebeck Care has revealed plans to create a centre of excellence for the care of people with autism and communication problems at the former
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Campaign's clear up or pay up message
FLY-TIPPERS were warned yesterday that their actions would not be tolerated, as a successful campaign was stepped up. Darlington Borough Council has launched an anti-litter initiative, backed by The Northern Echo, targeting the town centre and the worst
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Forest trail
A gentle walk through the heart of the Great North Forest takes place on Sunday, March 16, from 10am until about 1.30pm. Starting at Brockley Whins Metro Station, South Tyneside, the five-mile stroll along the Linnet Way will take in Tilesheds local nature
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Schools plan to improve exam passes
A SCHEME to encourage youngsters to take up further education has been launched. The Central Gateshead Sixth Form scheme aims to bring together 500 Year 11 pupils from three of the borough's schools, Joseph Swan, Kingsmeadow and Thomas Hepburn, in partnership
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Childcare quality mark
CHILDMINDERS in County Durham can join a network that will give their services a guarantee of quality. The Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership in County Durham is inviting people to join the Children Come First childminding networks. The
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Boost for search and rescue team
A DALES search and rescue team has been given a boost with the award of more than £4,000 of lottery funding to help train and equip young volunteers. Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue has been awarded the grant from the Awards for All fund, which
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Smokers offered help with quitting
PEOPLE wanting to stop smoking can take advantage of a number of initiatives in Hambleton and Richmondshire to mark National No Smoking Day. The Primary Care Trust which covers the two districts has arranged a series of workshops to help smokers quit
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Bid to pass on legacy of Cook
A PROJECT to encourage people on Teesside to explore the life, times and legacy of Captain James Cook is being launched today. Each of Middlesbrough's 13 public libraries will get collections of books about the town's famous son, who was the 18th Century's
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Village homes plan decision put on hold
A DEVELOPER'S plans to double the size of a North Yorkshire village have been put on hold to allow time for more talks to take place. Persimmon Homes wants to build 200 houses at Brompton-on-Swale. The parish council has already registered its concerns
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Residents save play area after appeal success
RESIDENTS have secured the future of their award-winning play area after raising enough cash in six months to run the site for a year. Kind-hearted householders in Delves Lane, near Consett, in the top ten per cent of the most deprived communities in
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Guided strolls and hikes start
GUIDED walks covering nearly 500 miles of County Durham's outstanding countryside will start next month. Durham County Council's programme includes more than 70 walks from April to June. Ranging from two to 14 miles, they include easy strolls and day-long
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Bridge is honoured yet again
A NEW bridge has further secured its place as a striking landmark, after winning an engineering award. The Millennium Bridge, in Gateshead, was yesterday awarded the Institute of Structural Engineers' Supreme Award for Structural Engineering. The accolade
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Building up defence against terrorism
Steel producer Corus has launched a new product which allows explosion-resistant buildings to be constructed in a matter of hours. The company was unveiling the product as a response to growing terrorism and security concerns. It has billed the new type
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Targets set with promise
WEAR Valley councillors met yesterday to endorse a Citizens Promise to the district's 63,000 residents. The pledge, which will be published in the council newspaper Wear Valley Matters, lists a number of aims and targets to be met over the next financial
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Councillor proudly accepts accolade
COMMUNITY champion Brian Myers proudly accepted his MBE at Buckingham Palace last week. The grandfather-of-two, who was honoured for his services to the community in Willington, was presented with the accolade by Prince Charles. Councillor Myers, who
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Council debates status of footpath
TOWN councillors are hoping to finally put a small footpath on the map after years of dispute over whether it is a public right of way. The path, which runs through the car park of the Three Tuns Hotel, in Thirsk, has stirred up mixed feelings among local
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Fears for sick and elderly if pharmacy rules relaxed
THE sick and elderly in the region could be hit hard by plans to relax the rules on opening pharmacies. The Government may lift restrictions on how many chemists can dispense prescriptions in a particular area following an Office of Fair Trading (OFT)
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Children tuck in to healthy eating project
YOUNGSTERS at Marton Grove Primary School, Middlesbrough, have been learning about healthy eating. Middlesbrough Council has produced a leaflet for parents on how to make packed lunches taste nutritious, varied and look appetising, and how to store them
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Firm expands
AN interiors business is expanding with the opening of a shop in the former post office in Yarm, Teesside. Seymours, which has been in Darlington for more than 45 years, has leased the premises and converted the office into a shop.
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Taster session aims to lower heart disease
THE first of 20 taster sessions for a course which will help reduce the risks of coronary heart disease, obesity and diabetes, has been held. The sessions, run by Stockton Borough Council's sports development team, encompass a range of gentle stretches
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Burglars hit three houses
BURGLARS have carried out three break-ins at homes in the Stanley area. The crooks broke in through the rear patio doors of a home in Meadowfield Way, Tanfield Lea, on the evening of Thursday, February 20. They struck in St Heliers Way, East Stanley,
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News in brief: Gary is named and shamed
A DOZY burglar dropped his accomplice in it when he named him during a bungled raid. A householder disturbed two men trying to break into the garage of his home in Errington Drive, Tanfield, near Stanley, at about 4.30am on Tuesday, February 25. The men
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Young riders speak up for hunt
DRESSED smartly in her black riding jacket, jodhpurs, and hat Stephnie Bell is excited about setting off for a day of hunting. But it could be the last time she and her friends at the South Durham Hunt will gather. She said: "People do not understand
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Friendly agents
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Teesside International Airport have named travel agents P&O Travel the friendliest on Teesside. Battling it out with travel agents from across the area, the P&O team had to test their general knowledge, co-ordination
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Woman critical after accident
AN elderly woman is fighting for her life after she was involved in an accident with a bus in a busy high street. The woman, believed to be in her early-80s, was taken to hospital following the incident, which took place in Stockton High Street just before
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Unforgettable treasures from forgotten 20th century artist
MORE than 200 paintings by one of the 20th Century's forgotten artists are expected to create excitement when they go under the hammer next week. York-born William John Botten Jenkins died in 1994, aged 83, after a packed life in which he had worked both
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Wurlitzer group given £5,000 award
A CASH boost will make a major impact on a musical association which prides itself on being the home of the Mighty Wurlitzer. The North-East Theatre Organ Association has been awarded £5,000 from the National Lottery's Awards for All programme. The money
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College course caters for care home diets
A GROUP of chefs have completed a course teaching them the best way to cater for care home residents. The Focus on Food care home catering course was held at Darlington College of Technology and was run with the South Durham and Darlington Nutrition and
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Terry drops in for a chat
REDCAR'S Central Library will virtually welcome authors Nigella Lawson and Terry Pratchett today as World Book Day goes interactive. The People's Network in Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's 13 branch libraries allows borrowers to log on and see,
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Security cameras are fitted in buses to cut vandalism
A NEW network of surveillance cameras on Stockton's buses means there is no hiding place for vandals and bullies. That is the message from Stockton Borough Council and several bus companies who yesterday launched the first security camera system on buses
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Young Connor is walking tall
HEROES and villains from popular children's stories have been brought to life in a fundraising fancy dress day. Pupils at St Patrick's RC School, in Consett, came to school dressed as their favourite characters. The youngsters and staff who took part
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Hearing dogs to give displays at deaf day
HEARING dogs will give demonstrations at one of the country's biggest exhibitions for the deaf. The dogs will be at the free Spotlight on Deafness event, at County Hall, Durham, next Thursday. The day is being organised by Durham County Council's social
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Lucky escape as bus hits shop
A SERVICE bus collided into a charity shop as it carried children from school and other passengers into a town centre. Glass imploded into the bus and fell on to the pavement when the Go North East double-decker bus hit the PDSA charity shop, as it turned
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Events mark women's week
A VILLAGE has hosted an open day to mark International Women's Week. Durham City Council's Single Regeneration Budget Six (SRB6) team staged the event at Bowburn Community Centre, offering taster sessions in activities including DJ skills, cookery, belly
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News in brief: Inquest opens into death
AN inquest has been opened into the sudden death at home of a mother of three. Jayne Bell, 34, collapsed at her home in Cowper Road, Stockton, on Monday. She died shortly after arriving at the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton. The Middlesbrough
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News in brief: Gary is named and shamed
A DOZY burglar dropped his accomplice in it when he named him during a bungled raid. A householder disturbed two men trying to break into the garage of his home in Errington Drive, Tanfield, near Stanley, at about 4.30am on Tuesday, February 25. The men
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Opera star is making plans for another picnic
OPERA star Suzannah Clarke is returning by popular demand to a musical event in a North-East village. Ms Clarke, from Normanby, near Middlesbrough, is to star for the third year running in a Musical Picnic In The Park at Hurworth, near Darlington. Hurworth
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Phillips asks fans to go with the Flo
KEVIN PHILLIPS begged Sunderland fans last night to lay off Tore Andre Flo during the £8.2m flop's worst goal drought for more than three years. Flo has not hit the net for nine matches - his longest barren spell since he went 12 Chelsea appearances without
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Iraqi accused of stabbing countryman
An Iraqi asylum seeker appeared in court yesterday accused of stabbing another Iraqi 12 times during a street attack. Hemen Feteh, 21, was charged at Teesside Crown Court with the attempted murder of Shakawan Ali Muhammed, 18, in Middlesbrough town centre
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News in brief: Man charged over rail theft
A MAN has appeared in court charged with helping to steal three miles of railway track worth £250,000. The track was taken from disused Leamside line, near Penshaw, on Wearside, between Chester-le-Street and Sunderland. Glen Pendleton, 49, appeared at
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Landlord admits killing student
A GUESTHOUSE landlord accused of the murders of two young Korean women yesterday admitted killing one of his victims. Kyu Soo Kim, 32, stuffed one of the students into a suitcase and dumped it outside York, leaving the other to rot in a cupboard, a jury
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Shops make it special
TRADERS are teaming up to offer a series of special offers to attract more people to their town centre. Shoppers visiting Bishop Auckland will be able to take advantage of a series of discounts and promotional offers in more than a dozen outlets. The
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When the ego has landed
I IS for Independence and Interference but most often I is for I as in I, me, myself. Adolescents are designed to be self-centred. The ego has landed. Don't look upon it as a character failing, more a survival technique. They are after all trying to move
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Orchid society members line up weekend show
PREPARATIONS are well under way for the second annual show of the Darlington and District Orchid Society. Top nurseries, including Mansell and Hatcher of Rawdon, near Leeds, and Ray Creek Orchids of Scunthorpe, will be at the show at the White Horse Hotel
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Mother's emotional plea to drug users after son's death
A GRIEVING mother made an emotional appeal yesterday for young people who take drugs to get help fast. Jacqueline Maltby wept as she made the plea after an inquest into the death of her 26-year-old son, Lee, a drug addict. Mr Maltby collapsed with respiratory
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School gets environmental award
PUPILS at a Darlington school have received a caring for the environment award for their anti-litter campaign. Youngsters at Whinfield Junior School were given the certificate by leader of Darlington Borough Council John Williams. It recognises the school
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Allergic reaction killed patient, 82
A PENSIONER died after suffering a fatal allergic reaction to surgery. An inquest on Teesside heard how problems began for frail, 82-year-old Veronica Tolliday after orthopaedic cement was inserted to stabilise a fractured left hip, caused when she tripped
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Traders' parking plea turned down
A TRADERS' plea for shopper friendly parking around Wear Valley's main retail centre has been thrown out by council chiefs. Business people in Bishop Auckland have campaigned for nearly seven years for free short term parking in the heart of the town.
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Soldiers' families plead for parcel fees discount
The families of soldiers preparing for war have hit out at the "extortionate" postage costs to send morale-boosting parcels to their loved ones. Relatives yesterday begged the military to scrap the charges which are double those paid by US families. British
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Talks aim to help factory workers
THE SHOCK closure of a kitchen worktops company has left its 120-strong workforce reeling. Emergency talks involving MPs and government ministers are now on-going in a desperate bid to try and assist workers who lost their jobs when Vertex in Shildon
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Councillor's palace date
COMMUNITY champion Brian Myers proudly accepted his MBE at Buckingham Palace last week. The grandfather of two, who was honoured for his services to the community in Willington, was presented with the award by Prince Charles. Coun Myers, who attended
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Hope for Weardale steelworks
Hopes are still high that a new owner will emerge soon for a troubled North-East steelworks. Amid speculation and rumour, administrators who have been handling the affairs of Weardale Steel at Wolsingham, County Durham, for the last few months said yesterday
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Lucky escape as bus hits shop
A SERVICE bus collided into a charity shop as it carried children from school and other passengers into a town centre. Glass imploded into the bus and fell on to the pavement when the Go North East double-decker bus hit the PDSA charity shop, as it turned
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Disabled survey
DISABILITY charity Mencap is compiling a report on learning difficulties. The charity is appealing for people to talk about the issues they face and how families cope or have trouble getting essential support services. To help with the report, call Mencap
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Mayor is accused of indecency
A NORTH-EAST mayor has been arrested over claims of indecency with a 15-year-old girl. Chartered accountant Chris Morgan, 33, was questioned by detectives on Monday after being arrested at his home. Mr Morgan, who was elected Mayor of North Tyneside last
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Pilot has his eagle eyes on challenge that James Bond would be proud of
A BOTTLE of champagne was thrust into Warrant Officer Barry Jones' hand as he touched down in Wick, Scotland, last week. Having flown for more than seven hours from Culdrose, Cornwall, and broken the World Range record in his small autogyro, he probably
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School lines up a hat-trick
A SCHOOL with a proud sporting tradition is celebrating a notable achievement. Durham School underlined its strength on the rugby field by winning the county titles at three age categories last Saturday. The independent school's under-14, under-15 and
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Park plans paraded
THE fine details of a multi-million pound park restoration were put on public show yesterday. Information boards were erected in Darlington's South Park, ahead of work on a £3.9m refurbishment of the area. Borough council chiefs are hoping to restore
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A golden partnership
WHEN Ron and Vera Nowell tied the knot 50 years ago, it was a quiet affair, with four guests at a ceremony at Darlington register office. The couple made amends by celebrating their golden wedding anniversary with a renewal of their marriage vows in church
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Space at premium in the flat which is home for six
AUDIENCES may snigger at the far-fetched scenes of wizard Harry Potter having to sleep in a cupboard under the stairs, but for one teenager it is an image very close to home. Eighteen-year-old Anthony Whyley has no choice but to confine himself to the
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Pupils get a sample of life in South Africa
AS the eyes of the cricket world focused on World Cup action in South Africa, students were given a taste of culture of the country's townships. Soweto-born, multi-talented artist Raymond Otto spent three days with Year 9 pupils at Sunnydale School, Shildon
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Attackers stole mobile telephone
A TEENAGER had his mobile phone stolen after he was attacked by youths. Police in Bishop Auckland are appealing for witnesses to the incident near St John's Roman Catholic School in the town at 4.45pm on Tuesday. The young man was walking along Woodhouse
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Centre's visitor figures soaring after opening success
THE region's newest falconry centre got off to a flying start after attracting more people on its opening day than anticipated. As many as 200 people came to see Lightwater Valley's newest attraction, which can boast a golden eagle, as well as a collection
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06/03/03
ALAN WRIGHT: IT'S nice to know what Alan Wright has been up to since being axed from BBC Radio Cleveland last year. Like thousands of other listeners I was outraged and lost no time putting pen to paper to Radio Cleveland bosses. I wonder if the BBC licence
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Seeking views over post office closures
AN INITIATIVE is being launched by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to find out how its members in the Yorkshire and Humber area are being affected by sub-post office closures. The initiative has been launched by the FSB's Yorkshire and Humber
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Notes From Planet Zog: When the ego has landed
I IS for Independence and Interference but most often I is for I as in I, me, myself. Adolescents are designed to be self-centred. The ego has landed. Don't look upon it as a character failing, more a survival technique. They are after all trying to move
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Former dance club to be fun place for kids
WORK has started on the transformation of a derelict nightclub into an out-of-school club for children. The former Talk of the Town nightclub, on the corner of Hundens Lane and Haughton Road, has been empty for years until Debbi Moore decided to turn
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North-East is top of the table in lowest average council tax rises
THE North-East is about to show the lowest average council tax rise in the country - according to a survey. Average bills in the region for the financial year from April will go up by 8.9 per cent, from £734.84 to £800.22. Band D properties are going
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Woman dies in fire
A DISABLED pensioner was found dead in her Darlington home following a fire on Sunday morning. Ellen Hamilton, 67, who lived alone, was discovered in her ground floor flat by her care worker shortly after 10am. Police said they were investigating the
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Furture stars in the limelight
BARNARD Castle go into the semi-finals of the National Schools competition at Castlecroft, Wolverhampton, on Saturday with coach Martin Pepper believing some of his charges could play for the senior England side, writes Tim Wellock. "We want to lose the
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Falcon takes flight
A FALCONER has lost a distinctive white falcon. Carol Combstock said the rare bird of prey, which belonged to her husband, flew from their garden in Southwick, Sunderland, yesterday morning. She is appealing for anyone who may have seen the bird to contact
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£35m revamp for college
AN ENHANCED learning experience will be on offer to students as New College Durham is given a complete makeover for the twenty-fiirst century. The former technical college is to settle on a single campus, at its Framwellgate Moor site, which is to undergo
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Doctor's conduct examined
A GYNAECOLOGIST who almost killed a pregnant woman during an abortion had no experience in the operation, the General Medical Council (GMC) was told yesterday. Consultant Andrew Gbinigie, 47, left the 21-year-old with horrific internal injuries, it was
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Forest trail
A gentle walk through the heart of the Great North Forest takes place on Sunday, March 16, from 10am until about 1.30pm. Starting at Brockley Whins Metro Station, South Tyneside, the five-mile stroll along the Linnet Way will take in Tilesheds local nature
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Go-ahead given for college extension
THE biggest development in the history of a North-East college was approved last night. Bosses at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington, were delighted when councillors backed plans for a £2.5m extension. The project - which was approved despite
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Ballroom plan is scuppered
PLANS to transform a former 1950s ballroom into a North-East music academy have collapsed. Darlington businessman David Cox had hoped to revive the building on the town's Lingfield estate into a live entertainment centre with recording studios, rehearsal
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Schools get safer roads
TRAFFIC on busy roads near three schools is set to be slowed down by new speed measures. Darlington Borough Council has just completed a consultation with residents, police and bus companies to decide on a traffic calming scheme for the area around Corporation
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Suspect: 'I was victim of violence'
A murder suspect told police he was a "battered husband" at the hands of his young girlfriend. Leslie Purvis, 38, is accused of killing Kelly Riseborough, 23, who died after a "prolonged, violent assault" at their home in Palgrove Road, Sunderland, on
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University denies quota claim
DURHAM University has been accused of introducing quotas for admitting privately educated students, but says it is trying to attract more local school-leavers. Reports at the weekend claimed Durham University had set targets to reduce the number of independent
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Wimpey's cautious approach
HOUSEBUILDER George Wimpey said it was approaching 2003 with caution despite an 88 per cent increase in pre-tax profits last year. It said its outlook would remain uncertain until consumer confidence begins to grow and the international situation stabilises
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Guided strolls and hikes to start
GUIDED walks covering nearly 500 miles of County Durham's outstanding countryside will start next month. Durham County Council's programme includes more than 70 walks from April to June. Ranging from two to 14 miles, they include easy strolls and day-long
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Road safety issues addressed
ROAD safety outside a £2m primary school in Darlington is to be improved after a worried grandparent complained to The Northern Echo. John Robdrup, 68, claimed that children's lives were being put at risk because of the volume of cars parking outside
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News in brief: Vet surgery to open in town
A veterinary surgery is to open in Darlington after councillors gave the go-ahead yesterday. Vets 4 Pets submitted plans to the borough council to convert the former Security Surveyors premises, in Grange Road, into a surgery. Members of the authority's
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Arson attack investigated
POLICE and fire officials were last night investigating an arson attack at a Darlington home. Officers believe that a substance was poured through the letter box of the house in Willow Road, in the Denes area of the town, and set alight causing damage
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Scheme to widen bridge approved
A TWO-and-a-half year wrangle about the future of a flood damaged bridge has finally been resolved. Creet's Bridge, which crosses Kex Beck at Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, is to be rebuilt and widened by about two metres. It is the option that local people
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Mourners pack church in tribute to historian
HUNDREDS of people paid their last farewells to one of Northallerton's favourite sons. The town's official historian, Michael Riordan, lost a long battle against cancer last week, at the age of 69. Yesterday, Northallerton's parish church of All Saints
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MP joins anti-war march
BRITAIN'S longest-serving MP will address a rally against war with Iraq on Saturday. Father of the House Tam Dalyell, Labour member for Linlithgow in Scotland, has opposed British military action from Suez in 1956 through to Kosovo. He will address marchers
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Addict jailed after robbery
A HEROIN addict who wrecked a pensioner's life in a street robbery has been jailed for six-and-a-half years. Ian Hartnell, 22, targeted the 89-year-old woman after she collected her pension from a post office in Ferryhill Station and left her lying in
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Geremi goal blunts Magpies' title bid
GEREMI hammered the final nail in Newcastle United's title coffin last night as Sir Bobby Robson saw his side's flickering championship flame snuffed out down by the Riverside. The Cameroon midfielder headed home the winning goal after 62 minutes of an
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Memorial held for Friar's life
PEOPLE will gather next week to remember a man who was the driving force in creating a popular North-East Catholic retreat. Friar Colum Devine, a member of the Passionists order, played a major role in turning derelict stables and coach house at Minsteracres
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The places where quality counts
YORKSHIRE and Northum-berland are among the best places to live - according to Country Life magazine. A survey found that the quality of life in the counties surpassed that in most other areas of England. Yorkshire may not be the best but, in seventh
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Restaurant expansion wins support
A restaurant expansion in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has won councillors' support, against planners' advice. Members of Ripon area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council voted unanimously in favour of extensions and alterations to
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Suspect: 'I was victim of violence'
A murder suspect told police he was a "battered husband" at the hands of his young girlfriend. Leslie Purvis, 38, is accused of killing Kelly Riseborough, 23, who died after a "prolonged, violent assault" at their home in Palgrove Road, Sunderland, on
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College fruit trees promote healthy eating
STUDENTS have opted for a more fruitful way off filling a gap in the trees at their college. Eight small fruit trees were yesterday planted at North-allerton College to replace birch trees that had to be felled because they got in the way of security
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Energy advice now available
INDEPENDENT advice on the price of gas and electricity is on offer in Stockton. The Environment Centre, in West Row, is giving residents instant price comparisons from more than 20 energy companies. Since regulations opening up competition between gas
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Pavilion damaged in triple fire attack
FIREFIGHTERS were called to tackle three blazes at a recreation ground in Hartlepool that has become a repeated target for arsonists. Three crews were called to the Grayfields Recreation Ground at about 5.30am on Wednesday, when fires were started in
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News in brief: Gary is named and shamed
A DOZY burglar dropped his accomplice in it when he named him during a bungled raid. A householder disturbed two men trying to break into the garage of his home in Errington Drive, Tanfield, near Stanley, at about 4.30am on Tuesday, February 25. The men
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News in brief: Gary is named and shamed
A DOZY burglar dropped his accomplice in it when he named him during a bungled raid. A householder disturbed two men trying to break into the garage of his home in Errington Drive, Tanfield, near Stanley, at about 4.30am on Tuesday, February 25. The men
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Train firm chief sets out pledge
BOSSES at troubled Arriva Trains Northern have set out their aim to become one of the best performing train operators in the country. Managing director Ray Price said the company had faced a challenging year but was focused on making further improvements
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Bid to pass on legacy of Cook
A PROJECT to encourage people on Teesside to explore the life, times and legacy of Captain James Cook is being launched today. Each of Middlesbrough's 13 public libraries will get collections of books about the town's famous son, who was the 18th Century's
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Wear something old
STUDENTS were given the chance to model the finest second-hand wedding outfits for charity. Hartlepool's Barnado's shop has received so much wedding wear lately that it decided to show it off. Students from Hartlepool Sixth Form College and the town's
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Man arrested following girl's murder
An 18-year-old man was today arrested in connection with the murder of a young girl found stabbed to death at home yesterday, police said. Natalie Ruddick, 12, was discovered by her sister at the address in Newcastle yesterday afternoon. Friends today
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Students get a taste of medicine at university open day
WOULD-BE doctors got to practice medicine during a taster day at Durham University's Queen Campus, in Stockton, yesterday. About 30 pupils from Teesside got hands-on experience of the kind of medicine course provided by the University. The open day also
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Mayor is accused of indecency
A NORTH-EAST mayor has been arrested over claims of indecency with a 15-year-old girl. Chartered accountant Chris Morgan, 33, was questioned by detectives on Monday after being arrested at his home. Mr Morgan, who was elected Mayor of North Tyneside last
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News in brief: All female cast treads boards
Sedgefield Players' latest production, My Mother Said I Never Should, is to be presented in Sedgefield Parish Hall from March 27 to 29. Set in Manchester and London, the play covers the life of a family from 1970s to the present day. An all-female cast
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MP leads fight to ban cages for hens
A NORTH-EAST MP and former Labour minister is leading moves to ban "enriched" cages for egg-laying hens. Sunderland MP Chris Mullin said an EU Directive will ban the conventional battery cage from 2012. However, so-called "enriched" cages, which are 45cm
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Protestors lose jail sentence appeal
JUDGES have rejected an appeal by two animal rights protestors who attacked the home of the brother of the managing director of Huntingdon Life Sciences. Student Gillian Bradley and teacher Jonathan Ablewhite, with an accomplice, caused £2,000-worth of
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Gough boosts Tykes
Darren Gough is making an excellent recovery from his knee injury and there are strong indications that he will soon be signing a new contract with Yorkshire and playing for his native county this season. Further talks between Gough and the club's chief
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Allotments inquiry defeat for council
A PARISH council, which has run up a £15,000 legal bill in its battle to save a village's allotments, has been stunned to discover it has been defeated at a public inquiry - and tax payers must foot the bill. Barton, near Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire
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'Orange phone users need to embrace full facilities'
A mobile phone operator plans to teach its customers how to get more out of their handsets in an effort to boost revenue. Orange said it had to get its users to think beyond voice calls and text messaging if it was to achieve its target of growing its
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Grassroots: Derwentside
FOOD TALK: Stanley Men's Thursday Club will hear about food additives from Ken Schofield, an industrial chemist, at 10.30am next Thursday, in the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley. BOOK WALK: A six-mile literary walk to Derwent Reservoir, led by Maurice
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Plans to build pumping station put on hold
PLANNERS have deferred a decision about a controversial plan to build a sewage pumping station near homes after receiving more than 150 letters of protest. But Redcar and Cleveland borough councillors agreed that a pumping station in Marske can be extended
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MP joins anti-war march
BRITAIN'S longest-serving MP will address a rally against war with Iraq on Saturday. Father of the House Tam Dalyell, Labour member for Linlithgow in Scotland, has opposed British military action from Suez in 1956 through to Kosovo. He will address marchers
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Crazy Horses couldn't hold us back from our first love
As a 14-year-old Heather Barron watched Donny Osmond in concert and fell in love for the first time. Now a 40-year-old mother-of-four, she watched him perform last night - and realised that first love never dies. THE wildest dream of every pre-pubescent
